Oven Baked Ribs

By Becky Hardin

Updated Apr 24, 2025

Oven Baked Ribs are the perfect meal for rainy days when you just don’t have access to your grill. I like cooking ribs in the oven because it’s super easy and they turn out so moist. These dry-rubbed ribs are one of our favorite easy dinners!

5-Star Review

“Made these oven baked ribs today they were awesome!!” -Loretta

Easy Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Ribs are great on the grill, but oven baked ribs might be even better! Baking them low and slow locks in all that juicy, tender goodness and lets the flavors of the dry rub really shine. The spice blend caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating that irresistible crust without the need for constant flipping or basting. Plus, this recipe is practically hands-off once it’s in the oven—making it perfect for entertaining or lazy weekend dinners. Make a double batch of the dry rub and stash it in the fridge to level up chicken, pork chops, or even roasted veggies all week long!

For more tips and tricks, check out my guide on how to cook ribs !

Ingredients1x2x3x

For the Ribs

▢ 4 pounds baby back ribs or spare ribs, cook time will vary
▢ ¼ cup Dijon mustard
▢ 1 teaspoon liquid smoke optional or use smoked paprika
▢ ½ cup spice rub (see recipe below)
▢ ½ cup barbecue sauce store-bought (Blues Hog recommended) or homemade

For the Spice Rub

▢ ½ cup dark brown sugar
▢ 1½ teaspoons ground smoked paprika or sweet paprika
▢ 1 teaspoon granulated garlic — not garlic salt!
▢ 1 teaspoon granulated onion — not onion salt!
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
▢ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
▢ ½ teaspoon ground ancho pepper or chipotle pepper
▢ 1 teaspoon ground mustard
▢ ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

Video

Instructions

Line a baking sheet with double layers of aluminum foil and set a cooling rack inside the pan. The rack allows for heat to circulate evenly on all sides of the ribs. Place the ribs on the rack. 4 pounds baby back ribs
In a large bowl, combine all dry rub ingredients and whisk well until all ingredients are completely incorporated. ½ cup dark brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons ground smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon granulated onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon ground ancho pepper, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
In a small bowl, mix the mustard and the liquid smoke. Brush a thin layer of the mustard/liquid smoke mixture over both sides of the ribs. Sprinkle the dry rub over the mustard and pat it gently so the rub will adhere to the meat. If desired, the seasoned meat can sit overnight in the fridge, just be sure to cover the pan tightly with foil. ¼ cup Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, ½ cup spice rub
When ready to cook the ribs, set the oven to broil and place the pan on the top rack of the oven. Broil the ribs (watching closely) for 4-5 minutes or until the dry rub sugar is bubbling and ribs are browned.
Remove the ribs from the oven and set the oven to 300°F. Move the oven rack to the middle position of the oven (wear oven mitts!). Once the oven has heated to 300°F, place the pan of ribs (uncovered) in the oven. If cooking Baby Back Ribs, roast the ribs for 1½-2 hours. If cooking Spare Ribs, roast for 2½-3 hours. Halfway through cooking, cover the ribs with aluminum foil to keep them from getting dry.
After the ribs have cooked with only 30 minutes left, brush the ribs lightly with barbecue sauce. Cover with foil and cook until the ribs are fork-tender when tested in the thickest part of the ribs. ½ cup barbecue sauce
Allow the ribs to rest, covered for 15 minutes.
To serve, cut between the bones to separate into individual ribs. Serve with extra barbecue sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Equipment

Baking Sheet

Becky’s Tips

Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness. Pat the ribs dry with a paper towel before applying the seasonings.
Brush the ribs with more barbecue sauce in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to create a sticky glaze, if desired.
Properly cooked ribs should have an internal temperature of 190-200°F. The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

How To Make Oven-Baked Ribs Step by Step

Get the ribs ready: Line a baking sheet with double layers of aluminum foil, set a cooling rack inside the pan, and place 4 pounds of ribs on the rack.

Prepare the spice mix: In a large bowl, combine ½ cup dark brown sugar, 1½ teaspoons ground smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon granulated onion, 1 teaspoon kosher salt,1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon ground ancho pepper, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, ½ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper and whisk well.

ribs coated with mustard and liquid smoke. - 8

Prepare the mustard and liquid smoke : Combine 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard with 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke and brush it in a thin layer over both sides of the ribs. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of the dry rub over the mustard and pat it gently so the rub will stick to the meat. If you’d like to cook tomorrow, the seasoned meat can sit overnight.

Brown the ribs in the oven: When ready to cook the ribs, set the oven to broil and place the pan on the top rack of the oven. Broil the ribs (watching closely) for 4-5 minutes or until the dry rub sugar is bubbling and ribs are browned.

Cook the ribs: Remove the ribs from the oven and set the oven to 300°F. Move the oven rack to the middle position of the oven (wear oven mitts!). Once the oven has heated to 300°F, place the pan of ribs (uncovered) in the oven. If cooking Baby Back Ribs, roast the ribs for 1½-2 hours. If cooking Spare Ribs, roast for 2½-3 hours. Cover the ribs with aluminum foil halfway through cooking to keep them from drying out.

ribs being brushed with barbeque sauce. - 10

Brush with barbecue sauce: After the ribs have cooked with only 30 minutes left, brush them lightly with 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce. Cover with foil and cook until the ribs are fork-tender when tested in the thickest part of the ribs.

ribs covered with aluminum foil resting. - 11

Let the ribs rest: Remove from the oven and allow the ribs to rest, covered, for 15 minutes.

Serve the ribs : To serve, cut between the bones to separate into individual ribs. Serve with extra barbecue sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Variations on Baked Ribs

I love the classic taste of BBQ baked ribs, but there are so many other fun ways to flavor these ribs. Try one of these variations:

Asian-Inspired: Marinate the ribs in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, and a touch of sesame oil. Serve with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flair.
Honey Mustard: Combine honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to make a tangy and sweet glaze.
Citrus-Glazed: Mix together orange juice, lime juice, honey, soy sauce, and grated ginger to create a bright and zesty glaze.
Herb-Rubbed: Create a dry rub using a combination of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 250°F oven in a pan covered with aluminum foil for about 30 minutes, or until the meat reaches 130-140°F.

Freeze baked ribs tightly wrapped in 2 layers of aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

A single rib dipped in a bowl of bbq sauce - 14

Serving Suggestions

These BBQ baked ribs are mouthwatering on their own, but they truly shine when paired with the right sides. On the side, crispy shoestring fries add the perfect salty crunch to contrast the tender ribs, while warm, freshly baked cornbread offers a buttery, crumbly bite that soaks up every last bit of sauce. You also can’t go wrong with juicy corn on the cob or a creamy macaroni salad —both are classic BBQ staples that round out this satisfying spread!

more rib recipes to try!

St. Louis Ribs (Grilled Ribs)

Smoked Ribs

Air Fryer BBQ Ribs

Instant Pot Ribs

Oven Baked Ribs Recipe

Equipment

Baking Sheet